Pants closure system

ABSTRACT

Embodiments herein provide pants with an integrated pants closure system for securing the pants to a waist of a user. The closure system may provide a plurality of points of closure, such as a belt, a fly, and an internal panel closure. The closure system may provide a low-profile for a front portion and/or waistband of the pants. Additionally, the closure system may provide backup points of closure in case of failure. The belt may include a buckle with a finger that extends through a loop in the belt to close the belt. The fly may include a zipper that extends to a top edge of the waistband. The internal panel may include one or more low-profile snaps to secure the internal panel to an inside surface of the pants and/or waistband.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/645,875 entitled “PANTS CLOSURE SYSTEM,” filed May 11, 2012, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments herein relate to the field of apparel, and, morespecifically, to pants closure systems.

BACKGROUND

Pants are often secured to a user's waist by a belt. However, the beltmust be adjusted to fit the user's waist each time the belt is used.Additionally, the belt typically sticks out from the user's waist, whichmay be uncomfortable (e.g., if the user wears an additional item aroundthe waist, such as a backpack waist strap) and/or aestheticallyunpleasant. Furthermore, the belt is typically difficult to adjust withone hand.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and theappended claims. Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and notby way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of pants with a belt and fly closed inaccordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 1B illustrates a front view of the pants of FIG. 1A with the beltand fly open, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 1C illustrates an inside view of the pants of FIG. 1A with thebelt, the fly, and an interior closure mechanism open, in accordancewith various embodiments;

FIG. 1D illustrates an inside view of the pants of FIG. 1A with the flyand the interior closure mechanism closed, in accordance with variousembodiments;

FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate various views of a buckle, including: (A) frontview; (B) back view; (C) top view; (D) bottom view; and (E) left sideview, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 2F illustrates a front view of the buckle of FIGS. 2A-2E with abelt band coupled to the buckle in accordance with various embodiments;and

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate front views of pants having analternative pants closure system with: (A) a belt and fly closed, and(B) the belt and fly open, and (C) the belt and fly open with a portionof an outer band of the waistband removed to show interior components,respectively, in accordance with various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shownby way of illustration embodiments that may be practiced. It is to beunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural orlogical changes may be made without departing from the scope. Therefore,the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limitingsense, and the scope of embodiments is defined by the appended claimsand their equivalents.

Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations inturn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding embodiments;however, the order of description should not be construed to imply thatthese operations are order dependent.

The description may use perspective-based descriptions such as up/down,back/front, and top/bottom. Such descriptions are merely used tofacilitate the discussion and are not intended to restrict theapplication of disclosed embodiments.

The terms “coupled” and “connected,” along with their derivatives, maybe used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended assynonyms for each other. Rather, in particular embodiments, “connected”may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physicalcontact with each other. “Coupled” may mean that two or more elementsare in direct physical or electrical contact. However, “coupled” mayalso mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with eachother, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.

For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form “NB” or in theform “A and/or B” means (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of thedescription, a phrase in the form “at least one of A, B, and C” means(A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C). For thepurposes of the description, a phrase in the form “(A)B” means (B) or(AB) that is, A is an optional element.

The description may use the terms “embodiment” or “embodiments,” whichmay each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments.Furthermore, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and thelike, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous, and aregenerally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should beinterpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” shouldbe interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should beinterpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.).

With respect to the use of any plural and/or singular terms herein,those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to thesingular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to thecontext and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations maybe expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

Embodiments herein provide pants with an integrated pants closure systemfor securing the pants to a waist of a user. The closure system mayinclude a belt that encircles a waistband of the pants. The belt mayprovide a belt closure mechanism that provides a low-profile feel andlook (e.g., low thickness). This may be beneficial, for example, whenthe user is also wearing another item around the waist, such as a waiststrap of a backpack. Additionally, the pants closure system may providea plurality of points of closure, such as three points of closure. Theplurality of points of closure may provide back up if one or more of thepoints of closure fail. This may be especially beneficial during a longtrek or other outing during which repair of the closure components maynot be possible. Furthermore, the belt closure mechanism may allow abelt length to be adjusted independently of opening and/or closing thebelt. Thus, an appropriate belt length may be set by the user, and thenthe belt may be opened and/or closed without needing further adjustmentof the belt length.

The pants may include a fly that defines a fly opening from a top edgeof the waistband downward in a front portion of the pants. The flyopening may be generally oriented along a centerline of the pants. Thefly may include a first panel and a second panel, with the first paneloverlapping the second panel when the fly is closed.

In various embodiments, the belt may include a belt band extending froma first end of the belt to a second end of the belt (e.g., around thewaistband). In some embodiments, the first end may be secured to a frontportion of the waistband, adjacent to the fly opening. In theseembodiments, the first end may be referred to as the fixed end of thebelt. The first end of the belt band may be folded back on itself andsecured to itself and/or the waistband, leaving a loop of the belt bandmaterial.

In various embodiments, the second end of the belt may include a bucklefor releasably coupling the second end to the first end of the belt. Insome embodiments, the second end of the belt may not be directly securedto the waistband of the pants. In these embodiments, the second end maybe referred to as the free end of the belt.

In some embodiments, the waistband may include a tunnel, whether acontinuous enclosure or not, in which the belt band is disposed. In someembodiments, the tunnel may be formed by one or more belt loops coupledto the waistband to secure the belt band around the waistband.Additionally, or alternatively, the tunnel may include one or morelonger portions to hide the belt band from view over a portion, or allof, the waistband. In some embodiments, the waistband may include one ormore belt loops and/or other structure(s) to hold the loose portion ofthe belt that extends from the buckle.

The belt band may be made of any suitable material, such as nylonwebbing. In some embodiments, the belt band may be relatively inelastic.Alternatively, the belt band may include a relatively elasticmaterial/component.

In various embodiments, the buckle may include a body with a finger thatextends from the body. The finger may be inserted into the loop in thefirst end of the belt to secure the second end to the first end. Thismay also be referred to as “closing” the belt. The finger may have anysuitable shape, such as an “L” shape. In some embodiments, the fingermay include a nub extending from an end of the finger to facilitatemaintenance of the finger in the loop in the first end of the belt. Forexample, the nub may be oriented at an angle with respect to a proximalportion of the finger to engage a lower portion of the loop. This mayprevent unwanted opening of the belt.

The second end of the belt may be uncoupled from the first end byremoving the finger from the loop. This may also be referred to as“opening” the belt. In some embodiments, the buckle may be a singlecomponent (e.g., not multiple components releasably coupled together).The combination of the buckle and belt loop may allow the buckle to havea lower thickness compared with two-piece buckles having plasticcomponents on opposite ends of the belt which interlock with each other.The buckle and belt loop combination may also make opening and/orclosing the belt easier compared with two-piece buckles. For example, insome cases, the belt may be opened or closed while the user is wearinggloves.

The fixed end of the belt may be either permanently or releasably fixedto the front portion of the waistband (such as the right front portionof the waistband). For example, the fixed end may be stitched to thewaistband. Alternatively, the fixed end may be releasably(impermanently) secured to the waistband by one or more buttons, snaps,and/or other such mechanisms.

In various embodiments, the buckle may further include one or moreslots, disposed in the body of the buckle, that engage with the secondend of the belt band to couple the buckle to the second end of the beltband and allow adjustment of the belt length. The belt length may beadjusted by extending and/or retracting the second end of the belt fromthe slots of the buckle (e.g., adjusting the length of a loose portionof the belt that extends from the buckle). The buckle may maintain thecurrent belt length by a friction fit when the belt is not subjected toan external force.

As used herein, the belt length may be defined as the distance from thefirst end of the belt to the buckle around the waistband of the pants.In some embodiments, the belt may be made of a relatively inelasticmaterial, such as nylon webbing. However, it is understood that in somecases, the belt may include a relatively elastic material, and adjustingthe length of the loose portion of the belt may change the tension ofthe belt without significant change to the distance from the fixed endof the belt to the buckle. This type of adjustment is considered withinthe definition of adjusting the belt length.

As discussed above, the belt and buckle described herein may allow thebuckle to have a low profile, e.g., a low thickness. The buckle may alsobe contoured (e.g., curved and/or bent) to follow the curvature of thewaist for enhanced comfort and/or aesthetic appeal. Additionally, thebelt length may be adjusted with one hand, and/or may be adjustedindependently of the opening and/or closing of the belt. Thus, anappropriate belt length may be set by the user, and then the belt may beopened and/or closed without needing further adjustment of the beltlength. Furthermore, it may not require significant dexterity to openand/or close the belt and/or to adjust the belt length, thus the usermay be able to operate the belt and closure mechanism while wearinggloves.

In various embodiments, the fly may include a zipper to selectively openand/or close the fly opening. In some embodiments, the zipper may extendto the top edge of the waistband. Thus, a separate mechanism for closinga top portion of the fly opening may not be required. A zipper garagemay be disposed on the top edge of the waistband for receiving a zipperpull of the zipper when the zipper is closed. The zipper garage may beformed by a portion of material coupled to the waistband to form apocket.

The zipper may include a first and second rows of teeth and a zipperslider that is movable along the zipper to engage or disengage the firstand second rows of teeth and thereby open or close the zipper. In someembodiments, the zipper slider may include a zipper pull coupled to aslider body. In some embodiments, the zipper and/or zipper slider mayinclude a locking mechanism to maintain a position of the zipper sliderwith respect to the rows of teeth when force is not applied to thezipper slider. For example, the zipper may be an automatic lockingzipper that locks automatically when no force is placed on the zipperpull or a semi auto-lock zipper that is locked in place when the zipperpull is in a lowered position and unlocked when the zipper pull is in araised position. The locking mechanism may facilitate maintenance of thezipper in the closed position (e.g., with the zipper slider at the topof the zipper). Accordingly, the zipper may provide a high-performancefly closure while not requiring a separate mechanism for closing the topportion of the fly opening. The zipper may provide a lower profileclosure of the fly compared with a snap or button at the top of thewaistband.

In other embodiments, the pants may additionally or alternativelyinclude another closure mechanism at the center portion of the waistbandto close the top portion of the fly opening.

In some embodiments, the pants may further include an internal closuremechanism for securing an internal extension portion (e.g., a flap) ofthe second panel of the fly to an interior surface of the pants. Forexample, the internal closure mechanism may include one or more snaps,buttons, and/or hook-and-loop type fasteners to secure the extensionportion of the second panel to the interior surface of the pants. Theinternal closure mechanism may provide an additional point of closurefor the pants. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the internal closuremechanism may provide added comfort and/or aesthetic appeal to thepants.

Accordingly, as discussed above, the pants may include a plurality ofpoints of closure, such as the belt, the fly, and/or the internalclosure mechanism. The plurality of points of closure may provide one ormore backup points of closure that may keep the pants secured around thewaist of the user if one or more other points of closure fails. This maybe especially useful for activewear pants that may be used on long treksor other outdoor activities. The user may not be able to repair thefailed point of closure, or change pants, while on the trek.

Although the pants and belt described herein may be particularly suitedfor athletic or active use, the belt may be incorporated into anysuitable type of pants. The pants may be full length pants or shortpants (e.g., shorts).

As discussed herein, embodiments provide pants including a waistbandhaving a top edge, and a fly that defines a fly opening extending downfrom the top edge of the waistband along a front centerline. The pantsfurther include a belt having a belt band extending around the waistbandfrom a first end of the belt to a second end of the belt. The first endof the belt is secured to the waistband at a first side of the flyopening, and the belt band forms a loop at the first end. The beltfurther includes a buckle coupled to the belt band at the second end ofthe belt, the buckle including a finger configured to extend into theloop in the first end of the belt to couple the second end to the firstend across the front centerline.

Embodiments as described herein further provide a buckle for a belt. Thebuckle includes a body portion configured to be coupled to a second endof a belt band. The buckle further includes a finger extending from thebody, the finger configured to be inserted through a loop in a first endof the belt band, opposite the second end, to couple the second end ofthe belt to the first end of the belt.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a partial front view of pants 100 having abelt 102. FIG. 1A shows a front view of pants 100 in a closed position,and FIG. 1B shows a front view of pants 100 in an open position. FIG. 1Cshows an inside view of pants 100 in the open position, and FIG. 1Dshows an inside view of pants 100 in the closed position. The pants 100include a waistband 104 having an outer band 106 and an inner band 108.The outer band 106 and inner band 108 are coupled together (e.g., bystitching) along the top and bottom edges of waistband 104, therebyforming a tunnel 110. The belt 102 includes a belt band 112 that extendsaround waistband 104 through tunnel 110. A first end 114 (also referredto as fixed end 114) of the belt 102 is secured to the waistband 104 bystitching at stitching lines 116. The belt band 112 is folded back onitself and coupled to itself by stitching at a stitching line 118 toform a loop 120 (e.g., with an opening through the loop 120).

In some embodiments, the belt band 112 may also be stitched to itself atstitching lines 116 for extra structural integrity. The belt band 112may or may not also be stitched to the waistband 104 at stitching line118. In some embodiments in which belt band 112 is stitched to thewaistband 104 at stitching line 118, stitching lines 116 may not beincluded. It will be apparent that any arrangement of stitching may beused to form the loop 120 and/or to secure the fixed end 114 of the belt102 to the waistband 104. Alternatively, or additionally, othermechanisms instead of or in addition to stitching may be used to formthe loop 120 and/or secure the fixed end 114 to the waistband 104, suchas one or more buttons, snaps, or other mechanisms.

The belt 102 further includes a buckle 122 coupled to the belt band 112at a free end 124 of the belt 102. The buckle 122 is further shown inFIGS. 2A-2F. While a particular buckle is represented in these figures,other suitable buckles or other such coupling mechanisms may be used inembodiments in accordance with the teachings herein.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-2F, the buckle 122 includes a body 123, with afinger 126 that extends from the body 123. The buckle 122 furtherincludes slots 130 a and 130 b disposed in the body. The finger isgenerally L-shaped, with a base 125 extending laterally from the body123, and a vertical portion 127 extending downward from the base 125.The finger 126 further includes an angled portion 129 that is disposedat an angle from the vertical portion 127. For example, the angledportion 129 may be angled back toward the body 123. The finger 126further includes a nub 128 on the end of the finger 126. The verticalportion 127 of finger 126 may be inserted into the loop 120 to close thebelt (as shown in FIGS. 1A and 2F). The angled portion 129 and nub 128may extend through the lower portion of the loop 120 to help the beltremain closed (e.g., to prevent the finger 126 from accidentallyretracting from the loop 120.

The buckle 122 may be coupled to the free end 124 of belt band 112 byslots 130 a and 130 b. For example, FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2F show the freeend 124 of belt band 112 threaded through slots 130 a and 130 b. Acenter bar 132 between slots 130 a and 130 b is curved and raised withrespect to other portions of the body 123 to facilitate interaction ofthe buckle 122 and belt band 112. The buckle 122 holds the belt band 112in place at rest (e.g., when not subjected to external forces). A beltlength of the belt 102 may be shortened by pulling on the free end 124,and/or may be lengthened by threading the free end 124 of belt band 112back through the slots 130 a-b. Once the belt length has been set, thebuckle 122 generally maintains the belt length, even after repeatedopening and closing of the belt 102.

As shown in FIGS. 2B, 2C, and 2D, the buckle 122 has a curvedcross-section. This may enhance comfort to the user and/or facilitateoperation of the buckle 122. The buckle 122 has a relatively uniformwidth over the cross-section. A recessed release structure 134facilitates lengthening of the belt length and/or removing the finger126 from the loop 120 to open the belt 102.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the pants 100 further include a fly 140 thatdefines a fly opening 142 from a top edge of the waistband 104 downwardalong a front centerline 144 in the front of the pants. The fly 140includes a first panel 146 and a second panel 148, with the first panel146 overlapping the second panel 148 when the fly 140 is closed. The fly140 further includes a zipper 150 that extends to the top edge of thewaistband 104 along the front centerline 144. Thus, the zipper 150 maybe used for opening and/or closing the fly opening 142 and coupling thewaistband 104 around the waist of the user.

A zipper garage 152 may be disposed on the top edge of waistband 104 toreceive a zipper slider 154 of the zipper 150 when the zipper 150 isclosed. The zipper garage 152 may define a pocket in which the zipperslider 154 is disposed when the zipper 150 is closed. Thus, the zipperslider 154 may be at least partially hidden from view when the zipper150 is closed. Other embodiments may not include a zipper garage 152.

The zipper 150 and/or zipper slider 154 may include a locking mechanismto maintain the zipper slider 154 at the top edge of the zipper 150(e.g., in the zipper garage 152) when the zipper slider 154 is notsubject to external forces. Thus, the zipper 150 and fly opening 142 mayremain closed during normal use of the pants 100 without anothercoupling mechanism at the top of the fly opening 142. For example, insome embodiments, the zipper 150 may be an automatic locking zipper or asemi auto-lock zipper.

As shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, the second panel 148 of fly 140 includes anextension portion 156 having male snaps 158 disposed thereon. Femalesnaps 160 are coupled to the inside surface of waistband 104. Male snaps158 may be coupled with female snaps 160, as shown in FIG. 1D, toprovide an internal closure mechanism for waistband 104 and/or fly 140.The internal closure mechanism provides a third point of closure for thepants 100 (e.g., in addition to the zipper 150 and belt 102. In somecircumstances, the user may choose not to use the internal closuremechanism of the pants 100.

As discussed above, the pants 100 include three points of closure: belt102 (with buckle 122), zipper 150, and snaps 158 on second panel 148.The three points of closure may provide backup to maintain the pants 100secured around the user's waist if one or more of the points of closurefails. The three points of closure may also provide a low profile forenhanced comfort, aesthetic appeal, and/or utility.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate pants 300 including a belt 302 with a buckle 322.Pants 300 are similar to pants 100, with a first end 314 of the belt 302includes a loop 320 that engages with the buckle 322 disposed on asecond end 324 of the belt 302. However, the buckle 322 of belt 302 isdisposed on the inner surface of the first panel 346 of fly 340.Accordingly, the buckle 322 is hidden from view when the fly 340 isclosed. The fly 340 also hides the loop 320 and first end 314 of thebelt 302 from view. The buckle 322 is releasably secured to the innersurface of the first panel 346 by a coupling mechanism 361 that engagesa finger 326 of the buckle 322. A loose portion 364 of belt 302 extendsfrom the buckle 322 and is accessible from the exterior of pants 300 toadjust the belt length.

The pants 300 include a waistband with an inner band 306 and an outerband 308. A belt loop 362 is coupled to the waistband 304 to receive theloose portion 364 of the belt 302. The belt loop 362 is in addition to atunnel 310, through which the belt 302 is disposed around the waistband304 of the pants.

Pants 300 are shown in FIG. 3A with the fly 340 and belt 302 closed, andin FIGS. 3B-3C with the fly 340 and belt 302 open. FIG. 3C alsoillustrates the pants 300 with a portion of the outer band 308 removedto show interior components. As shown in FIG. 3C, a fixed end 314 ofbelt 302 is secured to waistband 304 by a button 366. Accordingly, thebelt 302 is removable from pants 300. For example, the belt 302 may beremoved for washing, repair, and/or replacement.

Although certain embodiments have been illustrated and described herein,it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a widevariety of alternate and/or equivalent embodiments or implementationscalculated to achieve the same purposes may be substituted for theembodiments shown and described without departing from the scope. Thosewith skill in the art will readily appreciate that embodiments may beimplemented in a very wide variety of ways. This application is intendedto cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussedherein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that embodiments be limitedonly by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pants, comprising: a waistband having a topedge; a fly that defines a fly opening extending down from the top edgeof the waistband along a front centerline; and a belt including: a beltband extending around the waistband from a first end of the belt to asecond end of the belt, wherein the first end of the belt is secured tothe waistband at a first side of the fly opening, and wherein the beltband forms a loop at the first end; and a buckle coupled to the beltband at the second end of the belt, the buckle including a fingerconfigured to extend into the loop in the first end of the belt tocouple the second end to the first end across the front centerline. 2.The pants of claim 1, wherein the fly further includes a zipper toselectively open or close the fly opening, wherein the zipper extends tothe top edge of the waistband.
 3. The pants of claim 2, wherein thezipper includes: a zipper slider that is movable to open or close thefly opening; a locking mechanism to maintain a position of the zipperslider at the top edge of the waistband.
 4. The pants of claim 1,wherein the finger of the buckle extends from a body of the buckle, andwherein the buckle further includes first and second slots in the bodyto couple the buckle to the second end of the belt.
 5. The pants ofclaim 1, wherein the first end of the belt is secured to the waistbandby stitching.
 6. The pants of claim 1, wherein the first end of the beltis secured to the waistband by a releasable coupling mechanism.
 7. Thepants of claim 1, wherein the fly includes: first and second panelsseparated by the fly opening, wherein the second panel includes anextension portion; a fly closing mechanism to selectively open or closethe fly opening; and an internal closure mechanism to releasably couplethe extension portion of the second panel to an interior surface of thepants.
 8. A buckle for a belt, the buckle comprising: a body portionconfigured to be coupled to a second end of a belt band; a fingerextending from the body, the finger configured to be inserted through aloop in a first end of the belt band, opposite the second end, to couplethe second end of the belt band to the first end of the belt band. 9.The buckle of claim 8, wherein the body includes one or more slots tocouple the buckle to the second end of the belt band.
 10. The buckle ofclaim 9, wherein the slots enable a belt length of the belt to beadjusted.
 11. The buckle of claim 8, wherein the finger has an “L”shape.
 12. The buckle of claim 8, wherein the finger includes: a basethat extends laterally from the body of the buckle; and a verticalportion that extends downward from the base.
 13. The buckle of claim 12,wherein the finger further includes an angled portion that extends at anangle from a lower end of the vertical portion toward the body, theangled portion configured to facilitate engagement of the finger withthe loop in the first end of the belt band.
 14. The buckle of claim 13,wherein an end of the angled portion includes a nub to facilitateengagement of the finger with the loop in the first end of the beltband.
 15. The buckle of claim 8, wherein the body is contoured with amiddle portion of the body being raised relative to side portions of thebody.